ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Barge Driver Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Barge Drilling * Angle Drilling * Environmental Drilling * Regional Drilling Licensure * Valid Class A or B commercial driver's license. * The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member III

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Barge Drilling * Angle Drilling * Environmental Drilling * Regional Drilling Licensure * Valid Class A or B commercial driver's license. The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:

All JobsBarge Driver JobsBarge Driver Jobs in Washington

Barge Driver information

See Washington salary details

$15

$29

$44

How much do barge driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for barge driver in Washington is $29.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.21 and $31.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a barge driver?

Barge Drivers are professionals responsible for operating and navigating barges—large, flat-bottomed boats used to transport goods and materials on rivers, canals, and other waterways. They ensure safe movement by steering the vessel, following navigational routes, and managing cargo loading and unloading. Barge Drivers must also comply with maritime regulations, conduct routine vessel inspections, and often work as part of a crew. Their role is crucial for industries like construction, agriculture, and shipping that rely on waterborne transport. Training and licensure are typically required to become a Barge Driver.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a barge driver?

To thrive as a Barge Driver, you need strong navigational abilities, knowledge of maritime regulations, and typically a valid commercial boat operator’s license or Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with radar, GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and engine controls is essential for safe and efficient vessel operation. Attention to detail, good communication, and quick decision-making are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe transport, preventing accidents, and maintaining smooth operations on the water.

What are some common challenges faced by barge drivers during daily operations?

Barge drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating narrow or congested waterways, dealing with changing weather conditions, and ensuring the safe transport of heavy cargo. Coordination with crew members and communication with port authorities are essential to avoid delays and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, barge drivers must remain vigilant to prevent accidents and manage unexpected obstacles, such as floating debris or shifting river currents.

What is the difference between Barge Driver vs Tugboat Operator?

AspectBarge DriverTugboat Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), maritime certificationsMaritime licenses, STCW certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, canals, inland waterwaysHarbors, coastal areas, open water
Industry UsageFreight transport via bargesAssisting in maneuvering ships and barges

Both Barge Drivers and Tugboat Operators require maritime certifications and often hold similar licenses. Barge Drivers typically operate inland waterways and focus on freight transport, while Tugboat Operators work in harbors and coastal areas, assisting larger vessels. Despite differences in environment, their roles are interconnected in waterway logistics.

How do I get a job on a barge?

To become a barge driver, you typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with a passenger or tank endorsement, along with experience operating large vehicles or boats. Many employers require safety training, knowledge of navigation and cargo handling, and sometimes certifications in maritime safety or first aid. Gaining experience through related transportation or maritime jobs can improve your chances of employment in this field.

How much money do barge drivers make?

Barge drivers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the waterways they operate in. Many positions require a commercial driver's license (CDL) and knowledge of navigation and safety protocols. Overtime and on-call hours can also impact total earnings.

What are popular job titles related to Barge Driver jobs in Washington?

For Barge Driver jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Barge Driver jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Barge Driver jobs in Washington are:

Barge Driver jobs near you

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

TERRACON

Woodbridge, VA • On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Terracon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 72 rated business consultants

Job description


Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including: survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located.From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 1-year experience.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.
  • Many states require specific driller/well installation licensure. When applicable, such licensure is required.

Preferred Certification and Skills:

  • Experience in
    • In-Situ test methods
    • Instrumentation Installation
    • Barge Drilling
    • Angle Drilling
    • Environmental Drilling
  • Regional Drilling Licensure
  • Valid Class A or B commercial driver's license.
  • The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:
    • Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil.
    • Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations.
    • Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
    • Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
    • Perform basic surveying, site reconnaissance, and utility clearance tasks
    • Drive all forms of drilling equipment to and from project locations.
    • Work to independently inspect and complete routine maintenance of equipment.
    • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
    • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

What Terracon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply